The Apollo Lunar Surface Experiment Package (ALSEP) was a collection of scientific instruments stowed on a pallet during transport to the lunar surface. During their first moon walk (EVA), the astronauts deployed the instruments on the lunar surface. Each experiment was electrically connected to the ALSEP Central Station. An antenna on the Central Station allowed communication with Earth.
This particular artifact, Subpackage 1, is a set of equipment and experiments stowed together on an ALSEP pallet. The white cylindrical instrument is the Passive Seismic Experiment. To its left, is the Active Seismic Experiment. To the rear is the Lunar Surface Magnetometer. The experiments varied for each Apollo mission. This unit was used by Apollo 16 astronauts for Earth-based training of EVA procedures.
It was transferred from NASA to the Smithsonian in 1975.
Display Status
This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Object Details
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
EQUIPMENT-Lunar
Manufacturer
Bendix Aerospace Systems
Dimensions
3-D: 62 × 55 × 70cm (24 7/16 × 21 5/8 × 27 9/16 in.)
Materials
Overall: steel, mylar, plastic, styrofoam
Wires: mylar covered metal
Inventory Number
A19750025000
Credit Line
Transferred from NASA, Johnson Space Center.
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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